Impaired Physical Mobility; Self-Care Deficit
Expectations
The client is expected to be free from complications of immobility and learn to perform activities of daily living as independently as possible.
Interventions
The client with an SCI is especially at risk for pressure ulcers, contractures, and deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary emboli.
Preventing Complications of Immobility
Reposition or teach client to reposition every 2 hours. Use of special pressure relief pads. ROM exercises at least once every 8 hours. The nurse collaborates with PT and OT to determine the most appropriate positioning and exercise techniques, to assess need for hand splints, to develop plan for foot drop. Compression stockings or boots are used. Coumadin is used to prevent DVT.